Press Release- Interview: Luis Tavares

(PRESS RELEASE) -- After successful events in Croatia and Slovenia this year, Final Fight will wrap up the first part of the season with FFC 13 that is to take place in Zadar, Croatia, June 6.

The event will be headlined by the world's TOP 10 kickboxer in the division of up to 95 kg, Igor Jurkovi? from Croatia and Luis Tavares from Cape Verde. Both fighters are a part of Glory's roster in light heavyweight division and they both belong among the world's top fighters.

Luis Tavares fights under the flag of Cape Verde, the small island nation off the coast of Africa. However, this talented fighter grew up in the Netherlands where he started to play football at early age. Tavares was scouted by several football clubs, but he eventually ended up in Feyenoord on his way to become a professional football player. However, he came across kickboxing as teenager and has simply fallen in love.

I stop playing football the day I walked in to the kickboxing gym of my trainer. Where I still train to this day some 11 years ago. I just fell in love with the art of kickboxing, said Tavares at the beginning.

Being once a talented football player, Luis revealed no regrets leaving the sport that could perhaps secure him a better future.

Yes, I regret, especially when I see my friends who went on to become professional and collect big checks [laughing]. No, I don't regret nothing in life. it's all about following your heart so I did just that. At first my parents weren't really happy but they came to peace with my decision. They support me in everything I do, added Tavares.

At this point Tavares seems happy with what he does because he is satisfied with his performance as well as with the opportunity to step into the ring again.

I love fighting because I consider myself to be quite good in it.

Luis also explained that his brother Vilson was actually the one who introduced him to martial arts.

The reason I started was because of my brother Vilson Tavares who is also a fighter. The first day I went to the gym was to see him train for the first time. Another reason is Asdinne Souzy at the time he was twice Dutch champion and reigning European champion. We were from the same neighbourhood. He taught me allot when I was a little boy, said the African fighter.

Tavares' current score is 38 victories (16 by KO), 5 losses and one draw. However, there are some matches that he will always remember.

I will never forget when I became European Champion against Rodney Glunder in my hometown and my last fight against Hicham Alchalie in Las Vegas for the World title which I won.

Tavares is also a part of the Glory roster where he once had a chance to fight Vakhitov who knocked him out. That KO was definitely something he learned from, but he also revealed he does not want to think about it too much. Instead, he is waiting for the rematch. His upcoming match is to take place in Zadar, Croatia, June 6 where he is to fight Igor Jurkovi?.

My opponent, Igor Jurkovi?, is a great and strong fighter. He is dangerous and I have to look out for everything. The fans can expect a great fight in which I will win.

At the end of the interview, Luis did not miss a chance to show he was still into football.

I know Croatia has produced some great football players, the likes of Davor ?uker, Luka Modri?, Haliliovi?... Nice!

However, he also revealed he had big ambitions as well.

My future plan is to become an all-time great, a legend.